Latrell Fing has returned to Dubbo after a stint with the Canterbury Bulldogs

Fing made his return to the Dubbo CYMS' under 18s side a month ago, coming back to the side after a stint with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs' SG Ball side.

Only playing a handful of games for the Bulldogs before breaking his jaw, Fing was also unable to represent the Western Rams due to his commitments in Sydney.

But now settled back at home, the 2022 Tom Nelson Premiership Player of the Year reflected on his time spent in the NSW capital.

"It's good, I missed home a bit but it was a different experience down there," he said.

"It was a lot harder but I took on the challenge because that's what I like.

"It's a lot more competitive."

The key playmaker for his club side, Fing was one of two Group 11 products who spent time with the Bulldogs 18s side, with Wellington's Seaun Stanley Jr also being part of the squad.

When he isn't lining up for the Fishies while back home, Fing can be found still around footy but in a coaching role with St John's Dubbo under 9s.

It's a somewhat new role for the youngster but one he has enjoyed.

"They are hard to handle and always keep me on my toes," he said.

This weekend will be a first for the Tom Nelson Premiership, with a 'magic round' being held at Sid Kallas Oval in Cowra.

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Five crossover matches between Group 11 and Group 10 sides will be held on Saturday.

Dubbo CYMS will take on last year's runners up Bathurst St Pat's and Fing believes we haven't seen the best of the Fishies this season.

"We had a loss in our last game against Forbes but in the middle of the season that isn't too bad," he said.

The likes of Fing, Josh Townsend, Jodan Porter and Jack Fuller were all part of the Dubbo CYMS 2022 side which was knocked out in the preliminary final by eventual champions Nyngan.

There is no denying for the returning players the fire still burns after the loss and Fing knows the group has what it takes to make another deep finals run.

"We had a few boys leave because they are too old but we've got a lot of guys still here," he said.

"Hopefully we can get back there this year, that's the plan anyway."

Saturday's under 18s magic round will kick off at 9:30am with Bathurst Panthers taking on Forbes Magpies.

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